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Cardiovascular health

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“I lost my father; she lost the person who, along with his team, saved her life,” says Vanessa Chang (left) of Fiona Coote (right). “We understand each other.”

‘I lost my father; she lost the person who … saved her life’: Fiona Coote and Vanessa Chang’s bond

In 1984, Fiona Coote became Australia’s youngest heart-transplant patient. She met Vanessa Chang through her surgeon – and Vanessa’s dad – Victor Chang.

  • Amanda Hooton

Latest

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia.

Statins don’t cause the majority of ‘side effects’ on the label

These life-saving medications have been blamed for a laundry list of side effects. They’ve just been vindicated.

  • Kate Aubusson
Composite image for Kate Aubusson story on heart attack research. 

Textbooks say it is impossible. But this Australian heart has done it

Growing new cells is the holy grail for cardiologists. But this rare heart, frozen in time for 18 years in Sydney, held the key to a first-time discovery.

  • Kate Aubusson
You don’t need to make huge changes to improve health outcomes.

A doctor’s guide to 10 science-backed tips to get healthier

None of these tips are particularly difficult – you’re probably following some of them already – but they are hugely beneficial to your health when implemented together. This is how to do it.

  • Trisha Pasricha MD
Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has applied for Wegovy to be included on the PBS twice previously, both of which were rejected.

Australia to subsidise weight-loss drugs for the first time – but only for some

A long-awaited decision published on Friday lays the groundwork for pharmaceuticals to be subsidised for more patients with obesity.

  • Henrietta Cook and Angus Thomson
Anyone fancy a visit to the dentist? It could mean better heart health.

Putting off root canal treatment? You could be risking your heart health

No one enjoys getting root canal treatment but a new study reveals it is linked to positive health outcomes for your whole body.

  • Kathleen Felton
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A heart attack can have a significant impact on your psychological health, which can increase the likelihood of a second episode.

These six behaviours reduce the chances of a second heart attack

For those who have experienced cardiac arrest, the idea of a second episode looms large, which in itself can become a risk factor. But specialists say it is entirely preventable when you adopt some simple strategies – and stick to them.

  • David Cox
At University of Sydney School of Biomedical Engineering, PHD student Charles Zhao inspects a carotid artery chip that can help predict strokes. Camperdown, NSW. November 11, 2025. Photo: Kate Geraghty

This tiny chip can predict your risk of stroke

By meticulously recreating the arteries of individual stroke victims, scientists can now test treatments and identify deadly clots before they happen.

  • Angus Thomson
A hot bath is more than just a relaxing way to get clean. It can help with sleep and heart health as well.

Why swapping your shower for a bath is good for your heart

The effects of taking a hot bath are comparable with exercise for cardiovascular health, research suggests. But don’t give up your gym membership.

  • Emily Craig
Stella Fava never enjoyed sport at school.

Stella never cared for exercise. This is how she made it stick

Regular exercise is beneficial in so many ways but, with just one in five Australian adults meeting the physical activity requirements, not enough of us are taking it up. But there are ways to trick yourself into getting moving.

  • Shona Hendley